The bell-shaped pattern representing intelligence test scores in the general population is known as what?

The correct answer is the normal curve. This statistical concept is essential in psychology and is frequently encountered in discussions of various psychological assessments, including intelligence tests.

The normal curve, also known as the bell-shaped curve, illustrates how data points are distributed in a population. Most scores cluster around the mean, with fewer scores appearing as you move away from the mean in either direction. In the context of intelligence test scores, this indicates that most individuals score near the average level of intelligence, while very few score exceptionally low or high.

This distribution allows psychologists to determine how an individual's score compares to the broader population, facilitating the interpretation of test results in a meaningful way. Understanding the normal curve is crucial for assessing and interpreting intelligence, as it informs us about the expected range of scores and helps identify outliers or those with exceptional abilities.

By recognizing the characteristics of the normal curve, one can appreciate the design and objective of standardized tests, which are calibrated to fit this distribution pattern for accurate evaluation of cognitive abilities.